(Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA)

Bob Arum Dismisses Devin Haney As Potential Opponent For Teofimo Lopez

By Fight Sports Oct 26, 2020

Top Rank Boxing’s Bob Arum doesn’t see Devin Haney as an enticing option for Teofimo Lopez.

Lopez is riding high following a massive victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. The unanimous decision win earned Lopez the WBA (Super), WBC (Franchise), IBF, and WBO Lightweight Titles. The victory also improved Lopez’s pro boxing record to 16-0.

Many are left to wonder what’s next for “The Takeover.” Lopez has dismissed a rematch with Lomachenko as he feels the result would be the same. Lopez has entertained the idea of moving up to 140 pounds to fight the winner of Jose Ramirez vs. Josh Taylor. With that said, Lopez’s team also feels the most lucrative bouts are at 135 pounds.

Arum spoke to BoxingScene.com and discussed Lopez’s next route. It’s clear that the Top Rank head honcho doesn’t see Haney as being an option that fight fans want.

“Haney is not known outside of hardcore boxing fans. He’s fought on a platform that doesn’t reach anybody. Unlike Haney, Davis has gotten eyeballs. Haney has not gotten eyeballs. That DAZN platform has virtually no subscribers. Right now Haney doesn’t have the eyeballs that the other two guys — Garcia and Davis — do.”

Haney is the WBC Lightweight Champion. He’s scheduled to put his gold on the line against Yuriorkis Gamboa on November 7. Haney has expressed his belief that Lopez isn’t the true undisputed champion at lightweight until he beats him.

Lopez has said he wouldn’t mind “destroying” Haney’s career. Lopez has referred to Haney as an “email world champion” and isn’t impressed with the booking of his fight with Gamboa.